These are the top foodie cities in America, says a new study—and no, NYC and Chicago didn’t even make the list

Food isn’t just fuel—it’s a lifestyle. And according to WalletHub’s new report on 2025’s Best Foodie Cities in America, some places do it better (and cheaper) than others. The personal-finance site analyzed more than 180 U.S. cities, weighing 28 metrics that covered everything from affordable fine dining to food festivals and farmers’ markets.

So which city came out on top? This year it's Miami. The Magic City may be renowned for its beach clubs and nightlife, but it’s also a paradise for eaters. Miami has more restaurants per capita than almost anywhere, and they’re not just plentiful—they’re good. Affordable spots with sky-high ratings are everywhere, and the city ranks number 12 in restaurant diversity, meaning you can hop from Cuban croquetas to sushi omakase to Haitian griot in a single weekend. Michelin-star hunters have plenty to gawk at too: 13 starred restaurants, including the two-starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Even if you’d rather cook at home, Miami’s got you—farmers’ markets, gourmet shops, butcheries and kitchen supply stores can be found across the city.

RECOMMENDED: The first batch of the world’s best restaurants has been revealed for 2025

Coming in at number two is Portland, Oregon, where the beer flows as freely as the food festivals. The Rose City has a massive concentration of craft breweries and wineries, plus a near-endless lineup of food and wine tours. And while Portland can’t claim Michelin bragging rights (yet), it balances that out with zero sales tax—whether you’re stocking up on groceries or grabbing takeout, you’re not paying extra.

San Francisco, no stranger to foodie accolades, lands in third place. The city boasts a staggering 26 Michelin-starred restaurants—three of them carrying the elusive three stars. With a vibrant mix of affordable, highly rated eateries, international grocery stores and a calendar packed with food festivals, San Francisco proves it’s still a heavyweight in culinary culture.

Rounding out the top five are Seattle and Orlando, both cities with thriving food scenes that balance affordability with quality.

Top 10 foodie cities in America, according to WalletHub:

1. Miami, FL
2. Portland, OR
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Seattle, WA
5. Orlando, FL
6. Austin, TX
7. Tampa, FL
8. Las Vegas, NV
9. Sacramento, CA
10. San Diego, CA